Shankar had some decent performances with the bat during the New Zealand tour.
Vijay Shankar is on cloud nine after his successful time with the Indian cricket team. He grew as a player during the Trans-Tasman tour of Australia and New Zealand but the biggest takeaway for him was the opportunity to learn the “art of chasing” from the legendary MS Dhoni.
“I was happy to be around with the seniors. Just watching them prepare for matches and learning. Moreover, I learnt a lot by watching Dhoni during run chases. I learnt a lot about how to pace an innings, especially during chases. I learnt about his mindset,” Shankar told PTI.
Sharing the dressing room with Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma was like a dream come true for the Tamil Nadu all-rounder,
“It was a great experience to share the dressing room with names like Virat Kohli, M S Dhoni, Rohit Sharma. It is important to watch and learn from the seniors in the team,” he added.
Chasing a daunting target of 213 in the third T20I against New Zealand, Shankar was when promoted up the order to No. 3 and he proved his batting prowess with a blazing 28-ball 43, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes.
Shankar, who had confessed after the final T20 International that he was surprised when promoted up the order to No. 3, said that he was specifically told by the team management before the start of the series.
Reflecting on that knock, Shankar said: “I was surprised but at the same time was very happy to be asked to bat at number three. I was told before the series started that I would bat at one-drop. In T20s, there is not much time to settle down and the approach needs to be positive.”
“I thought I should have got more runs. Also, I felt disappointed that I could not take the team home in the third T20. I had the chance. It is a learning experience for me. I need to adapt faster and also be consistent...” he added.
Vijay Shankar shared an important partnership with Ambati Rayudu during the Wellington ODI when India were tottering at 18 for 4.
Talking about batting in challenging conditions, he said: “When I walked in at 18 for 4, it was all about playing time and building a partnership (with Rayudu). It was a good challenge as the New Zealand bowlers were bowling well. We had a good partnership. I should have gone on and made a big score...”
For Shankar, it is just the start as his focus is on constant improvement.
“I have done the hard work and got the opportunity in the national team. Now my focus is on constant improvement. I have to step up and do well in every match I get to play. I see each game as an opportunity to do well,” he asserted.
When asked about chief selector MSK Prasad’s recent comment that he is very much in the contention for a World Cup spot, the all-rounder said: “I don’t want to think too far ahead. I want to do well in every game. Every day is important for me...”
“I still need to fine-tune a few things. I will also work with my childhood coach S Balaji, a former ICF cricketer, with whom I have worked for more than 13 years, whenever I am in Chennai,” he added.
Shankar, who made his ODI debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground last month, said it was a big thing and “a happy feeling” to get started at an iconic venue.
“Yeah... to make my ODI debut at the MCG was a big thing and a happy feeling. Having watched so many matches and dreamt of playing at such venues, I was delighted to play there,” he concluded.
(With PTI inputs)